First Parish News Dec 2021
on December 6th, 2021
This season of Advent, we are facing so many challenges in the context of the never ending pandemic. In this December newsletter, Pam speaks of the need to recognize—not mask— the darkness. She writes that she is reading "Haphazard by Starlight" by Janet Morley, a collection of poems and reflections on pieces by authors such as Philip Larkin, Sylvia Plath, and Emily Dickinson. Although these are poems about darkness - the darknesses of the self, the season, and the society - some offer the hope of light breaking in; others encourage the reader to sit with and in the darkness. Worship services are focused on the Advent themes of hope, peace, love, and joy. Activities in the church this month include holding the Snowflake Fair fundraiser; supporting the Sponsor a Woman campaign; collecting childrens' hats and mittens for Cradles to Crayons, and adult-size white socks for Haley House. Read More
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First Parish News Nov 2021
on November 2nd, 2021
This November newsletter describes the highlights of a very busy month. Read about our masked-and-distanced return to the indoor sanctuary; the crafting of a Land Acknowledgement; an introduction to the Rev Ms Danielle, who will be our sabbatical minister this coming spring; a description from Pam about the focus of this last session of her sabbatical; and about the services and activities that will bring the children and adults through Thanksgiving and into Advent. Read More
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First Parish News Oct 2021
on October 8th, 2021
October's beautiful weather has uplifted our outdoor services and the outdoor children's program activities! This newsletter describes a busy fall calendar under way, with indoor and outdoor services, gatherings, and social justice opportunities, as well as planning sessions for even more ahead. Although our calendars may be fuller than they have been in a long time, Pam's message here asks if the effects of the pandemic still have you feeling as if you are "languishing." An antidote to languishing, she says, is opening ourselves to moments of flow - those times when you are so focused or immersed that you lose track of minutes and of worries - she invites you to make those moments more likely by taking on meditative practices which invite flow. Read More
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First Parish News Sept 2021
on September 10th, 2021
September begins a new church year, with lots of activities, even though we celebrate outside, for now. The worship theme for the month is 'Courage'; the newsletter details all the upcoming opportunities to find courage and hope together, by moving forward and making positive change. School and church school begin; book discussions and social justice activities are under way — we reconvene, and renew our commitments and intentions. Read More
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First Parish News August 2021
on August 2nd, 2021
Our August newsletter details the lay-led services continuing on the theme of 'play'; describes the UU workshop that our music director will be attending on the trauma stewardship possible through music ministries; and announces a September book discussion group. Pam's note addresses ongoing pain in our communities and asks: what can we conjure together, to care for our First Parish community? Cli... Read More
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First Parish News July 2021
on July 9th, 2021
In July, we look ahead to summer services rooted in 'exuberant play!' The newsletter looks back on June's activities: the UUA's General Assembly, and several social-justice and service events.Click here to open the newsletter. ... Read More
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First Parish News June 2021
on June 4th, 2021
In June, for Pride Month, we celebrate that 'Here All Belong"! Read Pam Barz's dreams for building on the momentum we have created— to root ourselves more deeply in love, and to embody our love in justice. What are your dreams for this community? Read More
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First Parish News May 2021
on May 1st, 2021
For May, we transition from our theme of the Spiral Dance into a time of celebration: For the love that "brings us forth" for Mother's Day; for the children and youth; remembering those who have died serving our country, on Memorial Day Sunday. And some words about the Annual Meeting, which is a BIG celebration of all we are and can be. And more... Read More
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First Parish News April 2021
on April 2nd, 2021
In April, we explore our worship theme “Dare to Dance Again” reflecting on what it means to dance together. We have seen in history and in recent months ways we are not “dancing together:” racism, economic disparity, and other injustices impair our steps. Also introducing a poetry series... and more. Read More
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Solvitur Ambulando (It Is Solved by Walking) - March 21, 2021
on March 21st, 2021
Many of us have relied on walking and being in nature to center our bodies and minds over this past year. Pamela Barz reflects on this healing practice. Elizabeth Dubuisson’s music this week includes Gade from Lyric Pieces, Op. 57 by Edvard Grieg. Download the pdf of the sermon here.... Read More
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Committed to Connection - March 4, 2021
on March 7th, 2021
Our joint worship with the Towson (MD) Unitarian Universalist Church celebrates connection on the 1 year anniversary of our last in-person service. The service includes reflections by Pamela Barz and Clare Petersberger, minister of the Towson UU Church. The service includes music played by Elizabeth Dubuisson and Tracy Hall, music director of the Towson Church, who also leads us in a practice of... Read More
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First Parish News March 2021
on March 5th, 2021
Read about how our March worship services will reflect on healing for ourselves and our world, as we mark one year of pandemic living; Earth Day; the Canvass; and an important community conversation. Read More
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